Press Play: New Music from Bad Boy Timz, King Promise, Simi & more
Your weekly dose of the best new songs on the continent!
“Moves” - Bad boy Timz
Bad boy Timz was without a doubt one of the breakout stars of the previous year. He entertained most, if not all, with his infectious bangers and animated personality as we all watched him through our screens due to the coronavirus which rocked the country and relegated us all to the four walls of our various homes. As the world slowly started to open up earlier this year, Timz was in high demand, stacking guest appearances and performing in different shows across the nation. He was on the cusp of superstardom when his career was sadly rocked by an ugly label dispute which put him on the sidelines for months. However, with his recent release “Moves”, – another fine addition to his ever-expanding collection of slappers – Timz is making a huge statement. He’s a specialist in crafting records that’ll make even the most frigid person dance. “Move from side to side bounce am back we go do all night” he sings, quickly making his intentions known. He’s clearly not interested in corporate brouhaha or backroom politics, he just wants us all to “break your leg, bend your back, move like this, move like that, feel the bang….”
“Slow Down (Remix)” - King Promise ft Maleek Berry
Upon its original release, King Promise’s kaleidoscopic melodies and soothing vocals earned “Slow Down” our pick for our of the week. Earlier today, a “5-star package” arrived which contains different versions of the resonant, love-inspired single. It’s however the Maleek Berry remix that resonates the most, as the British-Nigerian singer and producer deliver a melodious and complementary verse that elevates the appeal of the record even more. It’s more catchy and harmonious than ever and you’ll certainly be running it back endlessly.
“Cold Outside” - Timaya ft Buju
There was a tweet I saw sometime yesterday which went something like this “featuring Buju is a genre on its own” and I can’t argue much with it, to be honest. The 24-year-old Afrofusion act has been on an insane feature run all year, bringing his Midas touch to every record and ultimately stealing the show. Veteran singer Timaya is the latest to employ his services as they both sing about the vicious and unforgiving nature of the “streets”. “Its so cold outside my brother / I don’t want pull my trigger / I just wan dey / For some kain place / I no want no wahala,” Timaya softly sings, prioritizing his peace of mind and declaring that he wants no part in all the drama and trouble. Buju is doing the same in his usual sonorous fashion as he ultimately declares “ Ama pull through like the strings on my guitar”.
“Figure It Out” - Noir & SGaWD
Budding R’n’b singer Noir tags SGawD for an extremely sensual affair on his latest single “Figure it Out”. Over moody synths and slow drums, Noir gently makes known his impassioned desires. “Don’t feel like you’re not worth it / Priority and purpose” he sings, clearly detailing just how important his love interest is. He’s however unsure if the feelings are mutual as he begs her to sort out her feelings on the hook: “You need to figure it out / Before you hurt me/ I’m hurting / Don’t hurt me”. SGaWD plays the role of Noir’s love interest and she delivers an equally sultry verse that sees her sorting through her emotions before she concludes “can’t get locked down by nobody / don’t beg me to stay / I’m not your baby”.
“Woman” - Simi
For her first single of the year, the 33-year-old superstar highlights the gross inequalities and prejudices that the everyday woman faces over potent Afrobeat-inspired production. She carefully takes her time to list some regressive rethorics that’s constantly peddled about women while also cleverly interploting lyrics from Fela’s 1975 classic “Water No Get Enemy”. Her lines are sometimes humorous (“Na so so submission, shey we get assignment”) but they’re equally weighty and timely, challenging the existing status quo.
“Gimmie” - Diamond Platnumz ft Rema
Tanzanian serial hitmaker Diamond Platnumz enlists Rema for his latest single “Gimme”, a zippy number that combines the best of Bongo flava and Afrobeats as he looks to score another cross-continental hit. Over syncopated drums and piercing guitar strings, both artists take turns declaring their ardent desires while also demanding their love interest’s “waist, body and love”. It’s highly rhythmic and sensual, eliciting a nod, a slow whine, or full-blown dance.
"Now You're Mine" - Zamorra
Zamorra's debut project Storms and Rainbows has finally been released. The EP charts his career evolution from Ondo to Lagos, and the in-betweens which shape the best of any such journey: family, love, pain and eventual triumph. The lead single "Now That You’re Mine" is remarkably upbeat, bouncing with percussions that would soundtrack great memories filled with laughter and dance.
“my intentions” - Funbi
The elusive R’n’b singer’s first single in about 3 years is as mellifluous and slick as ever. He entrusts close collaborator Spax to provide slow, evocative production as he serenades his love interest with his sparkling, elastic vocals. He’s clear-cut and unequivocal about his intent. “My intentions, to love and to give you my affection / Oh not this mention / I never see this kind of connection” he repeats on the hook, mincing no words.
